Tulane uses their monies for matching funds to support training of young cancer scientists. LSU uses their monies as a match to obtain state funds for endowed chairs and professorships.
Cancer Trends
- 1 in 3 woman and nearly 1 in 2 men will develop cancer sometime in their lifetime.
- Louisiana has the highest cancer mortality rate in the nation according to statistics from the American Cancer Society.
- Cancer is becoming the single largest health expense in the U.S. 20% of every health care dollar in 2001 was spent on cancer.
- There is no NCI (National Cancer Institute) designated cancer center in Louisiana, Mississippi, or Arkansas.
Consortium History
Senate Bill 73
To address these issues the Louisiana State Legislature, during the 2002 special session, passed legislation to create the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium of New Orleans.
This consortium provides a structure in which Tulane University Health Sciences Center and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center- the states two leading medical research institutions- will work together and coordinate cancer research development in preparation for there recognition as a National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Center.
Groundbreaking for the new building was on Dec. 3, 2003. It is located on the corner of Tulane Ave and Claiborne Ave.
The Mission
Is to develop and coordinated cancer research and education program that will optimize discovery and development of innovative cancer therapies:
Lead to innovative clinical treatment programs offering new opportunities for early detection, treatment and prevention of cancer in our region:
Promote regional economic growth and provide the best possible care for patients with cancer.
The Vision
Building on the strengths of LSU Health Sciences Center of New Orleans and Tulane University Health Sciences Center, to develop a cancer research, education and treatment resource for this region that will be internationally recognized for excellence.
House Bill 157
During the 2002 regular legislative session the Louisiana State Legislature passed a 12-cent increase in the tax on a pack of cigarettes -3 cents of which would fund infrastructure and cancer research program development for the new consortium.
Conservative estimates indicate that approximately $10 million per year will be generated from this revenue.
The Future
In addition to the construction of a new-shared facility with state of the art cancer research equipment and laboratories, the consortium's immediate goals include
- Continued strategic planning and integration and collaboration
- Recruitment of world class faculty in key areas
- Cross- fertilization with other Tulane and LSU partnerships
- Including gene therapy research consortium
- And the neruobiotechnology program of Louisiana
- Creation of a smoke free Louisiana and improvement of the health of her citizens
- Creation of a new biotech industry in Louisiana
- Continued preparation for recognition as a NCI designated cancer institute.
Benefits for the State
The consortiums success will mean much more that improved cancer research for the citizens of Louisiana. It will also
- Fuel economic development by helping to attract federal grants industrial partnerships, good jobs and new businesses as a result of scientific discovery
- Promote cancer prevention and aim to lower the death rate from cancer
- Provide the citizens of Louisiana better opportunities for cancer care with an NCI designated cancer center in their home state.
There are currently 61 NCI designated cancer centers in the United States. The closest one to the New Orleans area is approximately 350 miles away east at University of Alabama Birmingham or west at MD Anderson.
That is why it is so important to get the word out of Cancer Crusaders.
Since 1978 these proceeds have helped these institutions complete worthwhile studies, train cancer researchers and provide results that help to unravel the complexities of cancer.
We strive to spread the horizons of the Cancer Crusaders in the hopes of gathering other much needed volunteer time, talent, and, of course, funds for this very worthy cause. Cancer Crusaders sponsors several fund-raising events each year including a gala charity ball. We have now started a Cancer Crusaders Northshore chapter and are working in conjunction with the parent group.
Our first fundraising event "Jazz under the Stars" was held in April of 2004 at a beautiful home in Mandeville and featured the musical talents of Ronnie Kole, many of the Northshore's wonderful restaurants, and a silent and live auction. The Northshore chapter of Cancer Crusaders was able to raise over $13,000.00. Not bad for our first event.
In less than a year we have signed up 50 members whom have already given so much of their time to ensure Cancer Crusaders is a success on the Northshore. We have several events planned for 2005 including a Mardi Gras themed Tea and Fashion show which will held this Sunday January 9, 2005 and "Jazz under the Stars" will again be held in April as our main fundraising event.
REMEMBER :THE ANSWER TO CANCER IS RESEARCH.
Because the death rate from cancer in Louisiana is one of the highest in the nation, our organization feels that it is imperative that priority be placed on research funded, conducted, and in general, supported by those to whom it directly relates and whom it will ultimately benefit.
You can join Cancer Crusaders at $25.00 for a single membership, or for $250.00 (per person) for a lifetime membership. There is also a memorial/honorarium program which affords a meaningful way to remember loved ones or to send thoughts to the family of one deceased. A card is sent acknowledging your donation. All gifts to Cancer Crusaders are tax deductible. By becoming a member and volunteer of Cancer Crusaders you are aiding in the fight of this complex and devastating disease. Thank You.
Cancer Crusaders Northshore Chapter PO Box 582 Mandeville La 70470
Cancer Research has always been an important issue to me.
Please help find a cure for Cancer and help me donate to this urgent problem.
To purchase my instructional video and make a donation to the Cancer Crusaders fund please click HERE.
The Cancer Crusaders Northshore Chapter provides this informational article to explain more about the organization:
Cancer Crusaders talk 1/6/05
Founded 1976 Cancer Crusaders is an organization that started in New Orleans 28 years ago. Their purpose is to raise funds for cancer research in the New Orleans area. The organization is totally voluntary and there are no administrative costs, meaning that every dollar raised goes to research.
Proceeds raised by the organization are donated annually to the Tulane University and Louisiana State University Health Science Centers in Greater New Orleans for the express purpose of cancer research.
